We’re more fearless now: Anderson

Corey Anderson is the man responsible for Mumbai Indians’ surprise qualification to the Playoffs. His unbeaten 95 off 44 balls propelled MI to 195 in 14.4 overs, thus beating Rajasthan Royals not only in the game but also on net run-rate, and therefore, making it to the final four. Now as they gear up for the big game – the Eliminator, against Chennai Super Kings – at Brabourne Stadium, MI’s man of the moment says he feels much more fearless and confident after his last match’s antics.

“We pulled off what people thought was impossible and it was a pretty good feeling,” Anderson said of his knock. “It’s almost a sense of relief that we’re in the Playoffs and we’ll start with an even playing field. So, yes, we are fearless after the last game and we can continue the momentum; we have a real shot at winning this.”

The Kiwi was all the rage in the 2014 IPL Player Auction, before MI lapped him up for Rs. 4.5 crore. However, he had a quiet IPL. Until he broke loose. When asked why it took him so long to find form, Anderson said that T20 is not quite his strong suit.

“T20 is the one format I have struggled in the most. The more I play it, the more I’ll learn. With the group of men in our camp, who have played a lot of international cricket, it is very easy to learn. I’m glad I have lived up to the faith the team has shown in me by contributing to where we are right now,” the New Zealander said.

Besides the team’s newly found confidence and attitude, what will also benefit MI is that both Qualifier 2 and the Eliminator will be played in Mumbai, the city that is always behind their hometown heroes.

“The crowd has been behind us 100 percent even when we have been at the bottom of the table. To have that confidence that they are going to back us no matter what, is a good feeling.”